What are the requirements to add a CFII?
The rules are in 14 CFR 61.183 through 61.195. This page covers adding an instrument-airplane rating to a flight instructor certificate you already hold. The steps for a first flight instructor certificate are in the flight instructor requirements guide.
What do I need before I start?
An applicant for an additional instructor rating meets the eligibility requirements of 61.183 that apply to that rating (61.191(a)). For the instrument-airplane rating, the list in 14 CFR 61.183 is:
- Be 18 or older and able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Hold a commercial pilot or airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category and class rating.
- Hold an instrument rating, or privileges on your pilot certificate appropriate to the instructor rating (61.183(c)(2)(iv)).
- Log at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class (61.183(j)).
- Comply with the sections of Part 61 that apply to the rating (61.183(k)).
Do I take the fundamentals of instructing test again?
No. 61.191(b) says the applicant "is not required to pass the knowledge test on the areas listed in ยง 61.185(a)(1)", the fundamentals of instructing. 61.183(e)(1) excuses anyone who holds a flight or ground instructor certificate, and 61.185(b)(1) lets the same holder skip the fundamentals of instructing ground training.
What is on the knowledge test?
Under 61.183(f) you pass a knowledge test on the areas of 61.185(a)(2) and (a)(3) "that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought". Before the test, an instructor endorses that you completed the ground training and are prepared for it (61.35(a)(1)).
How does the ground training work?
61.185(a)(3) requires you to "receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor on ... The aeronautical knowledge areas for the instrument rating applicable to the category for which instrument flight instructor privileges are sought." 61.185 names no home-study course.
I give it one on one at $65/hr, for a session that is not a flight lesson, and each session is logged.
What flight training do I need?
61.187(a) asks for logged flight and ground training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation, then a logbook endorsement that you are "proficient to pass a practical test on those areas of operation" (61.187(a) and 61.183(g)). For an instrument rating, 61.187(b)(7) lists ten areas: fundamentals of instructing; technical subject areas; preflight preparation; a preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight; air traffic control clearances and procedures; flight by reference to instruments; navigation aids; instrument approach procedures; emergency operations; and postflight procedures.
The instructor who gives you instrument training must hold an instrument rating on his or her flight instructor certificate appropriate to the aircraft used (61.195(c)(1)).
How does the CFII checkride work?
The practical test is given in an aircraft "representative of the category and class of aircraft for the aircraft rating sought" (61.183(h)(1)).
Where do I start?
With your flight instructor certificate, your instrument rating, and a plan for the knowledge test. I train the CFII add-on in the airplane at Regularly $95/hr , now $75/hr of instruction. The airplane, a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer, is paid to Countrywide Flyers at the club rate.